Out with the old, limit the new

I am interviewing a new stylist. No names here so no one gets hurt in the making of this blog. Up to this point, no one has matched the creativity of my first stylist, but alas, it wasn't the right timing for either of us. The stylist I am currently interviewing comes as a team. I was introduced to one of them through the I-can't-afford-her stylist. We had a get-to-know-you meeting a month ago (you should expect this before any money is exchanged), and were finally able to get into the wardrobe this last week. This was the first closet edit where I was more aggressive than the stylist. If it wasn't working, there were no compromises. Gap sweaters I bought last week that are already pilling - gone. Balenciaga vest that I was persuaded to buy due to a sale price in 2009 - outta there. Remember that first photo of the silk Dries von Noten skirt that was bad - bye bye skirt. We were ruthless. And this is not normal for a first time closet edit. I was pushing harder than the stylist to clear out the noise. Typically you can expect to get rid of 1/3-1/2 of your closet if you've never done this before and you are a horder like me.  This was more like 2/3 and I was digging it.

Why was this so decimating? Since early 2008, I haven't worked with a stylist on a consistent basis. I've shopped mostly on my own. As I've told you before, sometimes that's a hit. More often than not, its a miss. As a result, I have again amassed a large pile of things that I've rarely or never worn in my closet. For some reason, I have a really hard time seeing the truth in a mirror at a store. I am more in the fantasy of shopping and newness and trend. Not the reality of my shape, that terrible color, and the slimming mirrors. I mean, why the hell would I ever think it was a good idea to buy an octopus or Cancun tee. Delusional.

One cool part about this edit is that the stylist is going to sell some of my items at a consignment shop, so I can make some money back for shopping. I also sold a bunch of stuff to Buffalo Exchange. Thank you, ladies! I returned sweaters to Gap and ghastly shirt to Jcrew. So now I have some credit to buy a few pieces that work for the season. We also found a number of things that could be salvaged if altered. Those items are with my trusted tailor.

What was the analysis after all the carnage? I have very few underpinnings (shirts) and need some cardigans. More good jeans would be a help, but not necessary. Not bad. And I feel more sane about having a closet that makes sense. It was a cleansing ritual that was long over due.

Style Illiterate